You have heard about some of the health issues that can develop due to a hormonal imbalance, but are you aware of how many different diseases may be caused by a too much or too little of one of the essential hormones? Along with treating these conditions directly, a physician is also likely to monitor hormone levels to determine if some type of hormone replacement therapy would aid in the management or the recovery from the disease. Here are a few of the more common issues that may arise.
Addison’s Disease
This health issue can develop as a result of the failure of the adrenal cortex to secrete a normal amount of hormones. Some of the more common symptoms associated with Addison’s Disease are low blood pressure, feeling physically depleted, lower cognitive ability, and anemia.
Cushing’s Syndrome
This disease also involves the function of the adrenal cortex. In this instance, there is an overabundance of hormones secreted and released into the system. Sometimes known as hypercortisolism, this disease will trigger dangerously high blood pressure. You may also gain weight and have trouble regulating your blood sugar levels. In some people, tiny lesions that look like pink or purple stretch marks will appear on the arms, back, and legs. There is even the risk of losing bone density unless treatment is sought.
Mineralocorticoid Deficiency
With this condition, the body is not capable of retaining a healthy amount of sodium. This paves the way for issues like heart palpitations, weakness and mental issues like depression and anxiety. Along with using HRT to deal with the hormone imbalance, treatments to increase the sodium level in the body are necessary to reverse the symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is one of the essential organs in terms of promoting a healthy balance of hormone production. When a hormonal imbalance occurs elsewhere in the body, the thyroid may begin to produce too little or too many hormones.
With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid goes into overdrive and produces more hormones than the body can handle. The results can manifest in the form of panic attacks in conjunction with severe anxiety, insomnia, an unexplained weight loss, and generally feeling tired all the time.
Hypothyroidism tends to cause weight gain, produces mental fatigue and an inability to concentrate, and may cause the heart rate to drop to an unsafe level. The hair may not grow as quickly, and the skin may begin to take on a rough texture.
Hypoparathyroidism
Thanks to the abnormal function of the thyroid, there is less of the parathyroid hormone released in the bloodstream. The result is a lack of sufficient calcium and phosphorus delivered to various parts of the body. While this type of hormonal imbalance does prevent proper absorption of these two nutrients, it does not actually remove calcium from the bones.
These are only a few of the diseases that can be triggered due to a hormonal imbalance. Some of the conditions are permanent, and will require treatment for the rest of your life. Others can be reversed, along with using HRT testosterone or estrogen treatments to correct the underlying imbalance. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with these diseases, see your doctor as quickly as possible. A prompt diagnosis will lead to formulating the right type of treatment process and help you to feel better again.
